Guidry was elected to the Supreme Court in 2008 and re-elected without opposition last year. Previously he served on the state’s 24th Judicial District Court and 5th Circuit Court of Appeal, both in Gretna.

Before taking the bench, he worked as an assistant Louisiana attorney general and assistant U.S. attorney in New Orleans, where he headed the office’s violent crime and drug units and was the in-house ethics officer. He holds bachelor and law degrees from Louisiana State University.

The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation. Louisiana’s U.S. senators, both Republicans, praised Trump’s choice.

“Justice Guidry is exceptionally qualified for this position," Sen. Bill Cassidy said. "He has served our state well for decades as both as a trial and appellate judge in addition to being a former federal prosecutor. With his experience, I am confident he will serve with distinction on the Eastern District of Louisiana Court.”

“I congratulate Justice Guidry on his nomination to a federal judgeship in the Eastern District," said Sen. John Kennedy, a member of the Judiciary Committee that will vet the nomination. “Justice Guidry has distinguished himself as a Louisiana Supreme Court justice and a prosecutor during a lengthy legal career. I look forward to learning more about him as he goes through the nomination process.”